Particle- and Gas-Phase Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Two-Stroke, 50-Cm super(3) Mopeds

Particle- and gas-phase emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from two-stroke, 50-cm super(3) mopeds, are quantified. The tests performed on ten 2-S mopeds with displacement of 50cm super(3) indicate that significant PAH emissions can occur from this class of vehicles. Despite the adoption of a catalytic converter in response of more stringent limits for regulated pollutants catalytic exhaust technology in EURO-1 and EURO-2 mopeds, the results suggest that some of the reduction of PAH emissions might be attributable to the reduced fuel consumption. The phasing-out of obsolete mopeds should lead to a reduced exposure of the inhabitants of urban areas to carcinogenic air pollutants and a lower harmful incidence on human health.